With iOS 27, Apple introduces a new feature called "Tap to Share" that extends the payment process at the checkout counter by enabling data exchange via NFC. However, there's a catch for users in Germany and the rest of the EU: the new feature won't be available at launch.
Apple is further expanding its contactless payment system on the iPhone. Tap to Share is part of iOS 27, the first developer beta of which is available as part of the beta wave launched at WWDC. The feature is aimed at merchants and allows them to connect their iPhone to a customer's device via NFC tap – not only for processing payments, but also for exchanging data during the purchase. Apple already describes the feature in the official developer documentation.
What's behind Tap to Share
Tap to Share is an extension of Tap to Pay on iPhone. This already established feature transforms an iPhone into a point-of-sale terminal: Merchants can accept contactless payments directly on the device, without any additional hardware. Customers tap their iPhone, Apple Watch, a contactless card, or another contactless payment method against the merchant's iPhone; the transaction is processed securely via NFC – similar to Apple Pay.
Tap to Share addresses this very issue: During an active Tap to Pay session, data exchange can be initiated with the same tap. All that's needed is an iPhone and a supported payment app that utilizes Tap to Pay on iPhone. This is primarily intended for small businesses, market stalls, and similar sales situations where complex point-of-sale technology isn't worthwhile.
Three functions at the sales counter
Apple divides Tap to Share into three use cases. First, customer data can be requested directly at the point of sale: With a single tap, customers share precisely the information they wish to disclose – contact details, a delivery address, or an email address for the digital receipt. If the customer's device lacks native support, the same tap activates a web app as a fallback solution, allowing data to be transmitted just as securely and the shopping cart to be reviewed.
Second, the feature supports Wallet passes: Merchants can enroll customers directly on their iPhones in membership or loyalty programs and accept their passes at checkout. Customers, in turn, can securely add the passes to their Wallet. Third, Tap to Share displays the complete shopping cart on the customer's device – including discounts and reduced prices. Finally, payment can be made via Apple Pay, either as a full payment or a partial payment.
Security and system requirements
For data exchange, Tap to Share utilizes the iPhone's integrated security and privacy features. According to Apple, the information transferred between devices is visible only to the customer and the app being used. iOS 27 or later and at least an iPhone 12 are required. An active Tap to Pay session is also necessary, as Tap to Share relies on this.
Not yet available in the EU
Crucially for German-speaking regions: Tap to Share is not yet available in the European Economic Area. This area includes all EU member states – including Germany and Austria – as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. Apple has not provided a reason for this delay or a timeframe for a possible later launch.
This puts Tap to Share on a growing list of features that are missing for European users at launch. The most prominent recent example is the completely redesigned Assistant, whose delay in the EU Apple explicitly cites the Digital Markets Act as the reason. The company remains silent on whether similar regulatory considerations underlie the EEA exclusion of Tap to Share – in the case of the Assistant, however, the dividing line runs precisely along the platforms covered by the DMA. (Image: Apple)
- Slow Horses: Apple TV shows first look at season 6
- Apple lists over 250 new features for iOS 27 and other updates
- Apple and Jon Prosser want to overturn the default judgment
- WhatsApp will soon require iOS 15.5 on iPhone and iPad
- FaceTime uses two cameras simultaneously in iOS 27
- Rosetta 2 ends after macOS 27
- The Vision Pro Travel Case is disappearing in many countries
- The iPhone 17 is missing two new Siri features
- Apple Music's AutoMix is coming to the HomePod
- Apple Music is getting more lyrics translations and lossless streaming on Apple TV
- iPhone production is growing strongly against the industry trend
- Apple tightens App Store rules for low-quality apps
- iOS 27: The Passwords app automatically replaces insecure passwords
- Call Context in iOS 27: When the iPhone prepares the call for you
- With Claude Fable 5, Anthropic is introducing a Mythos model for everyone for the first time
- visionOS 27: What's new for the Apple Vision Pro
- macOS 27 Golden Gate: These are all the new features
- Why Apple is now building a Siri app with iOS 27
- iOS 27: Apple Music, Lock Screen Widget and Find My
- Dispute over Siri AI: The EU Commission contradicts Apple
- Apple is expanding its services: Here's what's coming this fall
- watchOS 27: App grid, new gesture and smarter fitness
